Clocks and Telephone

The “clocks” that the speaker wants to “stop” and the “telephone” he desires to “cut off” (1) symbolize his connection to the external world. Clocks tell the time and regulate the way he spends his day, while telephones are a means of communication. Without clocks and telephones, he must (and he wants to) remain alone in his grief.

The Juicy Bone

In the second line, the speaker wants the dog to stop “barking” by giving it “a juicy bone” (2). The bone here is a visible reminder of death, as it is the fate to which all our physical bodies are destined. Although the speaker only wishes for the dog to keep quiet, the bone inevitably points to the passing of his loved one. The word “juicy” also perversely suggests something to be consumed, reminding us of the transience and mortality of our fleshly bodies.

Crepe Bows and Black Gloves